Ryan Reynolds Indeed Returning To X-MEN Universe For Tim Miller's DEADPOOL And Shoots In March

Deadline reports that Ryan Reynolds is closing a deal to reprise the role of Wade Wilson better known as Deadpool in his own movie. The development on the project has been in the works since the release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine back in 2009, but only just got the greenlight in September after extensive rewrites to the script. Blur Studio's Tim Miller (Thor: The Dark World) is still directing the film with a script written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernik (Zombieland). Production is said to begin in March, while the rest of the cast hasn't been announced or rumored.

I assume we'll hear official news coming very soon. Fox is also casting lead roles for Bryan Singer's X-Men: Apocalypse, so it's getting busy at those casting offices. I'll be interesting to see if people linked to Apocalypse roles will also read for Deadpool as well.




SOURCE: DEADLINE

Chris Pratt Confirms Involvement With Universal's COWBOY NINJA VIKING

Collider revealed a story that Chris Pratt (Guardians of The Galaxy, Jurassic World, Zero Dark Thirty) would be taking the lead role in Universal's adaptation of the comic book Cowboy Ninja Viking. An assassin with multiple personality disorder gives him the abilities of a cowboy, ninja and viking. The concept seems equally as insane as Fox's X-Men spin-off Deadpool, which shouldn't surprise us that the same screenwriters are working on both films. Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick penned the script, who are best known for writing/creating Zombieland. The project had Marc Forester (World War Z, Quantum of Solace) attached to direct, but Pratt confirms that it's without a director currently.

Pratt responded via Twitter to the rumor, by actually confirming it. Also, putting it out to Twitter who should direct it. Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing Zombieland's Ruben Fleischer tackle another Reese/Wenick script. It was revealed recently that Pratt passed on Sony's Uncharted film, and this could be a big reason for that.

“@jbkelly80: @prattprattpratt pic.twitter.com/lNR1NYxT56” YES! But who is our director? That is the question. Who do u think it should be?
— chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) November 20, 2014

SOURCE: TWITTER

Fox Hires ROBCOP Scribe For GAMBIT, Channing Tatum Confirmed And Ruben Fleischer Directing?

Deadline is reporting that Fox is indeed moving forward with the X-Men spin-off Gambit. Also confirming that Channing Tatum (22 Jump Street, Foxcatcher) will take the title role and also produce the film. They've hired Robocop screenwriter Josh Zetumer to work on the film's script, which is based on a treatment from X-Men comic writer Chris Claremont. X-Men Days of Future Past was highly influenced by the comics of the same name, that Claremont wrote in the 80s.

For some reason they included an image of director Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Gangster Squad, 30 Mintues Or Less) in the article. Could this mean he's in the mix to direct? The writers/creators of Zombieland penned Deadpool, so it's possible that's the connection. Ruben currently doesn't have any projects about to go into production, but did announce plans to make Zombieland 2. Ruben has been in the running for other action blockbusters such as Mission Impossible 4, Ghosbusters 3, Ant-Man and Man of Steel. Being in the mix wouldn't surprise us. However, Deadline only provides an image and doesn't explain why it's there.








SOURCE: DEADLINE

RUMOR: Dane DeHaan And Josh Trank Re-Teaming For Venom Spin-Off?

CBM is reporting on a possible rumor that could see Chronicle star Dane DeHaan and director Josh Trank re-team for the Venom spin-off. They claim that Sony hired Dane for the Harry Osborn role which would lead to him starring in Venom. Instead of having Eddie Brock Jr. or Flash Thompson Sony could be looking for a more developed and recognizable Spider-Man supporting character like Harry to become Venom. This is expected to be slowly introduced in Amazing Spider-Man 2 and would lead to the Harry becoming the anti-hero in his own spin-off. No word if Venom will come out before or after Amazing Spider-Man 3.

Venom has been in development for a while now at Sony with Josh Trank attached to direct. A script has been in place written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool, Zombieland, G.I. Joe: Retaliation). At one point Garry Ross was going to direct but exited to focus on The Hunger Games instead. Trank would eventually attach himself to the project along with Fox's Fantastic Four reboot. The latter is expected to go into production first with Matthew Vaughn recently joining the reboot as it's producer along with another writer finishing up the script. It will be interesting to see which Venom Sony ends up going with either the classic Eddie version or the new gun toting Flash take.

WB Moving Forward With Ruben Fleischer's SPY HUNTER And Gets A New Writer

Deadline reports that Warner Bros. is moving forward with development on their adaptation of video game Spy Hunter. They've hired Carter Blanchard to write the script with Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) attached to direct. Ruben's last two films 30 Minutes Or Less and Gangster Squad bombed so it's likely the studio will be keeping an eye on it's production. Dwayne Johnson has been linked for the lead but it's unknown if he'll end up in the role. He'll be busy this Summer with Hercules and eventually Fast And Furious 7, it's possible he could join other projects during that time as well.

RUMOR: Could Harry Osborn Be Venom In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2? Leading To VENOM Spin-Off Which Gary Ross And Josh Trank Were Linked To Direct?

A rumor has started online via CBM that Venom could be showing up or at the very least introduced in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. This rumor stems from a recent set image that director Marc Webb tweeted to celebrate Dane Dehaan's birthday. The image is a possible lab locker which in the Ultimate Spider-Man comics (which the new films are based on) is where Parker discovers the Venom symboite. Could the rebooted version of Venom see Harry Obsorn the host instead of Eddie Brock?

This is speculation of course but Sony has been planning a Venom spin-off for years now. Exactly how Venom or the spin-off would fit into the new Spider-Man universe is unknown. A script exists from screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese best known for penning Zombieland along with upcoming projects G.I. Joe: Retaliation and Fox's Deadpool. At one point Hunger Games director Gary Ross was attached but eventually exited to focus on Games instead. Ross passed on making the next three Hunger Game sequels, so it's possible he could be back in the running. Josh Trank director of Chronicle (which stars Dehaan) recently landed the directing job for the Fantastic Four reboot but was also linked to direct Venom down the line too. Dane Dehaan is a rising star and quite possibly could be talented enough to pull-off his own Marvel franchise. You might be confused as both Eddie Brock and Flash Thompson (both unlikable characters at least in the comics) have been hosts to the Venom in the comics. Yet, to make it more cohesive with the Amazing Spider-Man franchise they might be looking at a stronger supporting character with a longstanding history and depth to be face of the new cinematic villain/anti-hero.

SPECULATION: Could Joe Carnahan Replace Tim Miller As DEADPOOL Director If He Exits?

Deadpool has been in development limbo for months even with a script and director in place. Fox is eager to put out a slew of new Marvel films including The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past and Fantastic Four it's odd that Deadpool isn't being fast-tracked. Last we heard, Fox was trying to figure out the best way to make the R-rated film with Mark Millar as the studio's new creative consultant.

Tim Miller had been hired to direct after talks with Robert Rodriguez broke down. Miller last spoke about the project in October and seemed optimistic. However, Miller has since signed on to direct two big studio films Gravel and Seasons along with major involvement on the animated film The Goon. This gives the impression these other projects will likely force him to exit Deadpool.

"We've turned in an amazing script and done some early tests and visual development that -- I'm confident -- would get the fans stoked. And Ryan still loves the project. So it's really up to Fox as to whether or not the film happens -- all I can do is hope (and beg periodically) that it be allowed to move ahead."

If Miller exits my bet would be on Joe Carnahan (The Grey, Narc) being contacted to direct. This is because of his connection to all parties involved. Joe worked with Ryan on Smokin' Aces and is attached to direct Mark Millar's Nemesis for Fox. He had been hired by the studio to put together a reboot of Daredevil which ultimately didn't happen. It seemed the studio wasn't confident in the material as the rights reverted back to Marvel. That doesn't mean Joe wouldn't be considered for future Marvel films. He had been talking with Fox about developing a Taskmaster film a while back. Besides Carnahan has Nemesis and a remake of Death Wish in development, neither have started pre-production.

Zack Snyder And Ruben Fleischer Candidates For JUSTICE LEAGUE?

ThinkMcflyThink (via CBM) tweeted a couple more names added to Warner Bros' list of possible directors for Justice League. We've previously heard names like Ben Affleck (Gone Baby Gone, The Town, Argo) and The Wachowskis (Cloud Atlas, Matrix 1-3) in the running. However, some uninspired directors such as Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, X3) and McG (Terminator Salvation) are being bunched into in the group. Some other interesting names include studio darling Zack Snyder (Man of Steel, Watchmen, 300) and Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, Gangster Squad). The latter seemingly becoming a studio favourite in his own right. I feel The Wachowskis, Ruben and Zack have the best shot here. Zack is head of the pack in my opinion. As he was able to pull off Watchmen while the film could have been a total disaster it ended up a solid attempt.

'VENOM' Spin-Off Update From Avi Arad

Sony hasn't revealed too much about their Spider-Man spin-off Venom concerning it's direction. What we do know is that it will have a script from Rhett Resse and Paul Wernick. The pair had previously wrote Zombieland and a promising script for the X-Men spin-off Deadpool. Josh Trank who make the small-budget superpower film Chronicle has been linked for director's chair. Some might remember that a pre-Hunger Games Gary Ross was originally attached to direct during it's early development. Topher Grace won't be reprising the role seemingly confirming that we'll see the anti-hero get a new origin separate from Spider-Man 3. Spider-Man producer Avi Arad has revealed that this movie will follow the classic story of Eddie Brock. I'm sure in the weeks leading up to and after the release of The Amazing Spider-Man we'll be hearing more from Avi and Sony on the project.

"It's an Eddie Brock story," said Arad. "We want to be as close to the comics as possible. Especially in Eddie Brock's story. But again, pseudo-sceince is becoming science. All these tidbits about webs, artificial webs, is a huge industry now. Spiderwebs have unique qualities that will be huge for communications, fibers, and so forth. So we have taken the approach that we want to make the huge amazing movie about Eddie." Tolmach adds, "He was a journalist. He had the wrong story, he got in trouble for it, he got fired. The whole essence to us for the Marvel characters. Stay close to the bible, stay close to the emotional story, and the rest is fun."

There had been some question to who would don the Venom symbiote since Brock hasn't been the only one and Sony would have access to other characters. Mac Gargan, the Spidey villain Scorpion had taken over the suit and was added to the lineup of the Thunderbolts. More recently Flash Thompson was re-envisioned as a disabled war hero given the Venom symbiote by the government. Flash is hired by the government to be a special agent wearing the Venom symbiote. Flash is only allowed to wear the suit for up to 48 hours, or risk a permanent bonding with the symbiote. The Government is also equipped with a "kill switch" designed to take Flash out if he loses control. That doesn't mean we won't see these characters explored eventually.

The symbiote sagas don't exactly fit into the Spider-Man franchise since they are traditionally dark material and include a body count. If anything a Venom film could benefit from a mature adaptation similar to Blade. Considering it would be hard to bring a serial killer supervillain like Carnage (a mass murderer) in a PG-13 franchise like Amazing Spider-Man. However, the sheer volume of characters involved could be enough to keep a mature franchise going. Carnage and Scream could end up becoming possible villains leading to more symobites and more mature Spider-Man universe villains making appearances. I could also see villains such as Sorpion (a little too similar to The Lizard for Spidey sequels) and possibly Morbius (apart of Marvel's Blade rights?) the living-vampire.



SOURCE: Hollywood

Chronicle's Josh Trank Could Direct Venom For Sony

24Frames reports that Sony is in talks with Chronicle director Josh Trank to replace Gary Ross (Hunger Games) on their Spider-Man spin-off Venom. It had been originally setup with Ross set to direct along with a script from Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Zombieland, Deadpool). However, there were many rewrites and Gary eventually dropped out to focus on the Hanger Games franchise at Lionsgate. Josh was rumored to be in the mix for Fox's Fantastic Four reboot. He would later deny the rumors a couple of times. It's unknown if this is just wishful thinking but Trank is likely getting a bunch of offers.

At one point the studio's plan was to have a completely reboot of Venom, ignoring the events of Spider-Man 3. Perhaps, making this an Ultimate version of Venom to compliant Marc Webb's Amazing Spider-Man. There also had been talk of darker toned film than any of the Spider-Man films. It makes sense considering the anti-hero does end up becoming a hero of sorts even if he seriously hurts and kills the people who cross his path. Topher Grace won't be returning as the studio would be looking to find a new Eddie Brock. I personally think that Liam Hemsworth or someone of his size would make a good Brock.

Marc Forster Will Direct Cowboy Ninja Viking For Universal

Deadline reports that Universal has hired Marc Forster (Quantum of Solace, Machine Gun Preacher) to direct Cowboy Ninja Viking. Forster is currently wrapping up the Brad Pitt zombie action film World War Z. This relatively unknown comic book film got some heat when Zombieland/Deadpool writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese signed on to write the film's script when it was originally setup at Disney. The studio ended up passing on the film as it was too edgy for the family friendly Disney. Universal would eventually take on the project and it's finally moving forward.

VIDEO: Why Tim Miller Is Going To Blow Us Away With Deadpool

I don't often have a reason to make a video so I've held off to post any. However, when hearing that production on Tim Miller's Deadpool starring Ryan Reynolds was heating up at 20th Century Fox I put together one highlighting the works of Miller and his VFX house Blur Studio. The company is mostly known for in game and trailer video game cinematics but have also worked on films like Avatar. While the prospect of an R-rated script from Zombieland screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick should be enough. Miller's extensive work bringing to life amazing action sequences is also a reason keep fans on their toes. Not to mention his familiarity with genre characters and previously working effects for the first two X-Men films. The games featured in the best of reel I put together include X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Terminator Salvation, Mass Effect 2, Arkham City, Resident Evil: Operation Racoon City and Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Is There 8 Minutes Of R-Rated Test Footage For Deadpool?

There hasn't been much development concerning Fox's reboot of the character Wade Wilson better known as Deadpool. BleedingCool picked up creator Rob Liefelf stating he may have seen some R-rated test footage Fox could have shot. If this is indeed true it could mean that the studio could be finally figuring out when/how they will shoot. Fox seemed to have been mulling over what to do with the Merc-With-A-Mouth as the script written by the dynamic duo of Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Zombieland, G.I. Joe 2) is clearly for an R-rated movie. There seemed to be some hesitation to pursue that type of rating considering all five X-Men universe films have been PG-13 money makers. X-Men franchise producer Lauren Shulder Donner recently spoke on the subject and even sounded like she was championing decision to go with an R rating. If this does happen this will be Fox's first R-rated Marvel film.

While rating isn't everything these days since Christopher Nolan was able to give us a down and dirty Batman film with the Dark Knight even if it was PG-13. Some might say the censors turned a blind-eye to a few scenes. However, when it comes to Deadpool the mercenary character needs to live in a hostile environment which he contributes to with a massive body count. He's also mentally unstable and unpredictable so explicit language is necessity. Here's hoping Fox comes to their senses and moves forward with this film soon. At one point it looked like Ryan Reynolds was going to walk from the project. Luckily, Green Lantern bombed and it doesn't look like that sequel will sweep him away.

"They’ve got a great director on the movie, they’ve got a great script. I may or may have not seen some sort of test of footage that would blow your mind if you saw it and go holy crap and that’s Deadpool in costume. Katana swords, guns, shooting people’s faces off and making me laugh. And I may or may not have seen something that looks just like that. And you’ve got what would amount to the first R Rated X-Men movie. Because that script is R Rated. 


 They may or may not have wanted to shoot eight minutes to see how it would play. And all I can tell you, it’s close. It’s closer that it’s even been to going, or going Naaah, that’s too scary a proposition to make a R Rated Deadpool movie.”

Emma Stone Could Star In He's Fuckin' Perfect

Deadline reports that Emma Stone (Gangster Squad, Amazing Spider-Man) is in talks to star in the spec-script comedy He's Fuckin' Perfect. Written by director Adam McKay's (Anchorman, Step Brothers, Other Guys) assistant turned screenwriter Lauryn Kahn which focuses on a social media savvy girl who is pessimistic about love and vets her friends’ dates to find flaws. When that process leads her to uncover the perfect guy, she decides to use her internet research skills to turn herself into his perfect match. It will be produced by McKay and Will Ferrell's production company Gary Sanchez which recently produced the horror action comedy Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters that stars Gemma Arterton and Jeremy Renner. The film could end up at Fox 2000 and will likely get a title change.